Day 578 18th February 2018
56 miles (Barra da Tijuca to Itacuruca) Average speed 11.9 mph Top speed 20 mph
A longer day than I anticipated but it’s Sunday and I often go mad on Sundays.
I was awake at 8 and had brekkie of toasted cheese and ham sarnies with coffee and melon with cake and bread and jam. My good friend at the hostel who calls me big Brian chatted and I gave him my stool, some earplugs and a waterproof bag. I also dispensed with my shoes and trousers after I’d worn them for the last time the night before and in a bar someone called me over as a waiter!
So a bit lighter and feeling good after an early night I set off along the coastal path getting lots of strange looks as usual. The path was great until it ran out and then I joined the road, which was a pretty good surface and not too busy with two lanes. After 12 quick miles I reached the turn inland and followed the canal and went up the slip road to the main road. I joined it but there was no shoulder and soon I arrived at a tunnel which stated no cycling or pedestrian access. With the prospect of climbing over a morro, I decided to try my luck and went along the narrow path on the side of the road. Apart from every hose container spreading glass all over the path it wasn’t too bad until I came to the uncovered drains with broken glass, but I managed to get through and thankfully there were no police waiting for me at the other end. I continued along the road but there was no shoulder and traffic was very close to me.
The day was capped off by a wonderful fried fish with rice, salad and a lovely sauce at Tamo Junto restaurant, all for 12.99.
Pousada vo Irene 100 reais.
A double bed to myself and a hot shower and a fridge and air con and a ceiling fan!